The Unexpected Lifeline of My Pastoral Career
Driving the streets of Baltimore, windows up, the beats and insightful lyrics of hip-hop provide an unexpected solace in my pastoral journey.
From Jeezy to Rick Ross, these tunes aren't your typical worship songs, but they have played a crucial role in preserving my passion and drive for ministry.
When no one understands my passion for reaching the city and transforming the world no matter the cost, a worship song (in my Cedrick the Entertainer voice) “doesn't quite…it doesn’t quite” do it for me.
But if I slide over to Rozay, I hear, “Every day I’m hustlin’!” on repeat. It’s like a mantra.
By the time the song ends, I’m ready to raid hell with a water gun and gasoline shoes. Real talk!
The Sacred in the Secular
For many reading this, the image of a pastor jamming to 'trap music' might seem out of place. Or just plain wrong!
"Isn't secular music off-limits for a man of God?" you might wonder.
But for me, it's more about the underlying messages these artists communicate: ambition, the tenacity to push through adversity, and the audacity to speak one's truth, often in more transparent terms than many who wear a spiritual façade.
Growing up in a Pentecostal household, the lines between the secular and the sacred were crystal clear.
As a kid, I was passionate about collecting comic book cards. I loved the X-Men characters, Nightcrawler, Beast, and Wolverine. I would use them for inspiration to draw and create characters in my sketchbooks.
stack of comic books
But, in my house, comic book characters were seen through a lens of skepticism and were often labeled demonic. Movies, music, and pop culture at large were under constant scrutiny.
This setting was both restrictive and oddly formative for me.
From the Hood to the Pulpit
Hip Hop became my compass as a teenager, mapping out my emotions, ambitions, and aspirations.
It wasn't just about the beats or the flow; it was about the stories – stories that echoed the sentiments of a young black boy navigating life in the hood.
My connection with Hip Hop gained deeper significance during my college residency in Copenhagen.
As the lone black participant, the feelings of isolation were palpable. In those moments of cultural shock and homesickness, the familiar notes of Hip Hop’s empowering anthems filled the void.
The camaraderie formed over a shared love for Hip Hop also led me to Bill, a graffiti artist who was also a huge fan of Outkast.
It's amazing how music can bridge cultural divides and create lasting connections. Shout out to my guy Bill!
The Gospel Through a Different Lens
In Every Good Endeavor, Tim Keller says it like this: the Gospel isn't just a set of beliefs reserved for Sunday mornings. It's a lens through which we view the world.
In this light, my appreciation for Hip Hop isn't just about rhythm and rhyme; it's about witnessing God in the every day, even in the most unexpected of places.
How Hip Hop Supercharged My Ministry:
1. Authenticity Above All: Hip Hop, with its raw and unfiltered expression, is a constant reminder to stay true to oneself. Whether I'm reminiscing about the South, thinking of Uncle Luke, Trick Daddy, or Plies, or navigating the crazy streets of Baltimore, this culture nudges me to embrace my roots, identity, and journey.
2. Creativity & Relevance: Hip Hop's influence permeates our church's sermons, leading to sermon series like Mask Off, The Good Life, and Cuffing Season. This contemporary touch, inspired by song lyrics and/or the culture, serves as a bridge, making the Gospel relatable to the community we serve.
3. Breaking The Mold: The 'pastor' tag often comes with expectations, even constraints. But Hip Hop, emphasizing authenticity and self-expression, serves as a reminder: ministry can be lively, fun, and engaging. It's not about conforming but about celebrating individuality.
The Beat Goes On
Today, as I ease through the streets, if you spot me lost in my flow, know this: it's more than just music.
It's an anthem that fuels my passion, grounds my purpose, and keeps the fire (and I don't just mean the Holy Ghost fire) burning in my pastoral journey.
